New software from National Grid can tell you when is the cheapest time to use your washing machine or dishwasher.

They have launched what they claim is the world's first tool to predict the carbon intensity of a national grid ahead of time.

The software , developed in conjunction with conservation charity WWF, breaks the day down into two-hour segments, and is able to warn users when energy is at peak demand while informing them when demand is low.

This is combined with weather information from the Met Office, all of which has been verified by Oxford University, and helps to forecast the 'carbon intensity' – that is, how much carbon emissions are caused by each unit of power – of electricity generation for up to two days in advance.

According to the software at time of publication, between 6pm and 8pm tonight is the time of highest carbon density and 4am to 6am tomorrow morning is the lowest although obviously these can and will change.

National Grid say they expect energy companies to use the information to produce their own apps which will instruct customers to use energy when demand is at its lowest and turn appliances off when the system is under pressure.

Environmentally-conscious households will also be able to find out when are the best times for solar and wind energy.

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Duncan Burt, director of the system operator at National Grid, said: “We're providing our forecast data in a format that allows technology companies to build innovative apps and software that could make a real difference to how and when people use energy.

"Clear and concise information that can tell you in advance when’s best to turn on the washing machine, load the dishwasher or charge your car for example, is a step in the right direction towards a low carbon future."

Some suppliers have already started to offer "time-of-use" tariffs, enabled by smart meters, which reward householders for using energy when demand is low.

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According to new data published today by National Grid, 2017 was 'greenest summer ever', with low-carbon power sources - wind, solar, biomass and nuclear - supplying a record level of electricity generation over the summer months.

National Grid said 52 per cent of electricity demand being met by "low-carbon" sources between June 21 and September 22, as opposed to 35 per cent four years ago.

Gareth Redmond-King, head of climate and energy at WWF, hailed the news as a "great leap forward" towards more renewable energy use.

"Green energy forecasting could be a game changer – making the connection between the weather and energy and helping people use electricity when it’s greenest.

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"This is not just good news for reducing the effects of climate change but could also help us cut our home energy bills and it’s vital the UK Government bring in time of use tariffs quickly to maximise these opportunities," he said.